Pakistan bets on agriculture to drive revival in budget 2026-27

June 10, 2026 (MLN):  PM Shehbaz Sharif has called for sweeping reforms in Pakistan's agricultural sector, stressed its potential to drive an economic revival, as the government sought stakeholder input ahead of the Federal Budget 2026-27.

Speaking at a meeting in Islamabad with a delegation representing farmers' organizations, the dairy and livestock sectors, value-added industries, seed-producing companies, and national and multinational institutions, the Prime Minister directed the formation of an expert committee to advance sustainable agricultural development and reforms.

Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council is being modernized in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to accelerate research and innovation.

He stressed the need for effective coordination between the federation and provinces and called for harmony in federal and provincial policies and regulations, according to a press release issued.

The Prime Minister emphasized increasing per-acre crop yields, promoting climate-resilient hybrid seeds, developing horticulture, enhancing agricultural mechanization, and encouraging value addition.

He directed the provinces, particularly Baluchistan, to present comprehensive plans for boosting cotton production and ordered the immediate issuance of a notification for the reconstituted Cotton Board.

The delegation was briefed on government initiatives for agricultural development, including the Zarkhez-e Scheme, under which small farmers are being provided loans of up to Rs1 million by banks on easy terms.

The State Bank of Pakistan is also providing risk coverage and crop-loss insurance to farmers, while drafts of the National Animal Health Act and the National Breeding Policy have been prepared to support the dairy and livestock sectors.

Participants welcomed the recently introduced Seed Policy and agricultural reforms, describing them as game changers for the sector.

The delegation included Arshad Iqbal, Zeeshan Baig, Mahmood Nawaz Shah, Imad Malik, Rana Naseem, Ahsan Mustafa Bajwa, Jahangir Tareen, Fahad Patel, Shahzad Amin, Khizar Alam Khan, Amna Asif Bajwa, Zahoor Hussain, Usman Zaheer, Ahmed Qadir, Afaq Tiwana, Shaukat Rasool, and Khalid Khokhar.

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